Interbrand's Rita Clifton becomes new MRS president

UK-- Rita Clifton, chairman of Interbrand, is to be the new president of the Market Research Society (MRS).

She will take up the post in April – succeeding adman, agony uncle and author Jeremy Bullmore.

Clifton, a full member of MRS, said: “I was delighted to have been invited to take up this role, and have great respect for the work of the MRS. I very much look forward to getting formally involved, although I can't say I'm looking forward to stepping into Jeremy's shoes as they're rather big. It does seem to me that there are some big challenges and opportunities for the research world over the next few years, and it will be exciting to be able to contribute what I can”.

In an eleven year career with Saatchi & Saatchi Clifton served as director of strategic planning, executive planning director and finally as vice-chairman.

After joining Interbrand in 1997 as chief executive, Clifton became chairman in 2002.

She is also chairman of Populus, the reputation research house and pollster to the Times.

Rowland Lloyd, chairman of MRS, said: “High on our priorities is extension of the MRS brand values of professionalism, research excellence, and business effectiveness more widely into the client community of research users, and also into the new discipline of insight management which integrates data from multiple sources. Rita Clifton's extensive experience combined with her knowledge of market research, will be invaluable in positioning MRS to achieve its full potential.”

David Barr, MRS director general added: “We have been extremely fortunate in many key debates of the last five years to have had access to the knowledge, wisdom, and humour of Jeremy Bullmore. Now we look forward to having Rita Clifton as our president during the next important phase of our development.”

Author: Marc Brenner